Do I need a waist stay?

[starrynight]

My big project for 2017: a Victorian ballgown using Truly Victorian's 1860's bodice and ball gown skirt. This requires the proper undergarments.

I'll be using Laughing Moon's Dore corset pattern and it's not my first time making a pair of stays/bodies/corset. And in fact, no foundation garments I've ever made calls for a waist stay, but this

Comments

[reynardo]

I've used one sometimes - I find that when making a corset that's going to get some serious tightening, it takes some of the stress off the waist.

And as a traditionally-built woman, I can do a *lot* of tightening before I even feel it. Boob - shelf - I has it.

[starrynight]

It's not going to get any serious wear. It's for something I'll wear max, four times a year..if that.

[rabid_bookwyrm]

The waist stay basically just helps support the corset, even more than the fabric itself does. It's up to you if you want to use one. If you are worried about the fabric stretching out, then the stay will help with that. If you are not so concerned, don't worry about it.

[starrynight]

Hm probably not. It's going to be one layer of brocade, cotton for lining and one layer of cotton duck, and the entire thing will be flatlined.

I'll add a waist stay if I need to but I figured for something I'd wear only a couple of times a year, it's probably not necessary.